Interior designers are whimsymaxxing their homes this summer
If there’s one word that’s being thrown around a lot this year is ‘whimsy’. We can’t get enough of it. Whether we’re trying to add whimsy to our daily routine or adorn our homes with whimsical decor, ‘whimsymaxxing’ is emerging as one of the biggest trends of 2026. But what exactly is it? And how can we apply it to our interiors?
The biggest and longest-lasting home decor trends always have a human focus. Many we’ve seen in the interiors world have been hinged on the idea of ‘nostalgia’ and unsurprisingly, whimsymaxxing is no different.
Lighthearted and playful, the definition of whimsy is: ‘unusual, funny, and pleasant ideas or qualities,’ according to the Cambridge Dictionary. But here’s how interior designers say it translates in the home.
What is Whimsymaxxing?
Adding -maxxing to words to form a verb is a distinctly 2026 trend. It’s basically internet slang for optimising a specific area of your life. I’ve seen health influencers talking about Fibremaxxing, which is essentially focusing on eating enough fibre, and of course Lookmaxxing is the Manosphere ideal that’s been made mainstream and sees men ‘optimising’ their physical appearance.
By this definition, Whimsymaxxing is simply the practice of making your life feel more whimsical. If you’ve been wondering if your home is weird enough, Whimsymaxxing is here to make your interiors feel that little bit more magical and playful.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)
‘In a world where true creativity can sometimes feel threatened, whimsical interior design means the designer has taken full control of the creative process to build their own unique, imaginative world. To me, ‘whimsymaxxing’ is simply about filling your home with what you love. It’s a gorgeous, eclectic mix of personal pieces that reflect the true soul of whoever lives there, says interior designer and winner of the BBC’s Interior Design Masters, Lia Gold.
Whimsymaxxing is about choosing things that spark joy in our lives. Whether that’s via your favourite paint colour, fragrance or trinket. It’s a growing trend that’s been gaining further momentum online, too.
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
‘The rise of ‘whimsymaxxing’ reflects a growing desire to bring more delight into everyday life. As people move away from perfectly curated interiors, they’re embracing nostalgia and playful design in ways that feel much more personal,’ explains Etsy trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson.
‘We’re seeing that shift reflected in what people are searching for on Etsy too, with searches for whimsical jewellery up 84%, beginner needlepoint kits up 175% and polka dot phone cases soaring 835% as shoppers look for little moments of joy in everything from their accessories to their homes. More than anything, it’s about giving yourself permission to decorate more freely and choose pieces simply because you love them.’
How to use Whimsymaxxing at home
‘Whimsy isn’t a formula or a Pinterest board you can just copy; it’s a feeling you create by surrounding yourself with joyful objects. It’s the silly trinket you found that always makes you smile, or the art print from a tiny shop abroad that you probably didn’t need but absolutely wanted. You make a home whimsical by choosing items that evoke a memory or a spark of happiness,’ says Lia.
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Douglas Gibb)
Given that the definition of whimsymaxxing is a little vague, there’s no clear instruction manual for adding more whimsy to your home. Think about the things that make you happy first.
Then see how you can embrace that in your home. For example, if your favourite colour is sunshine yellow, opting for a bold yellow lamp (such as this Addison Ross Bobbin Lamp) or a sun-shaped rug (£349, Ruggable) is an easy way to put an instant smile on your face.
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
‘While many people imagine whimsical interiors to be spontaneous, dusty or a little ditsy, today’s interpretation is far more considered. It’s all about playful intentionality. Carefully layering pieces that evoke joy and nostalgia while still feeling stylish and contemporary,’ says Natalie Evans, founder and CEO of home styling and staging company Little Barn Door.
‘Mixing patterned soft furnishings, pleated lampshades and vintage-inspired accessories with a modern base is the perfect way to embrace the look without it feeling dated. The key is restraint. Rather than turning your home into a complete time capsule, introduce a few carefully chosen statement pieces that capture the essence of the trend without overwhelming the space.
‘Whimsical living isn’t about clutter or chaos. It’s about creating interiors that feel playful, imaginative and delightfully unexpected, while remaining beautifully curated.
The whimsy edit
Here are some of my favourite ‘whimsical’ homewares I’ve spotted online right now.
Habitat x Sanderson & National Trust
Habitat X Sanderson & National Trust Stripe Tablecloth
Sanderson’s traditionally British designs feel effortlessly whimsical to me. I love the dramatic frill and bold green of this tablecloth.
Dunelm
Check Ruffle Easy Fit Lamp Shade
I recently spotted this lampshade at Dunelm’s recent press show and fell in love at first sight – it’s so fun!
Next
Lia Gold x Next Red Tomato Vase
To me, Lia Gold’s collab with Next looks so whimsical. This tomato vase is both fun and unique.
Smart Garden Blue Leaf Extra Large Outdoor Rug, (l)240cm X (w)180cm
Why not opt for a statment rug in your favourite colour or print? I love the cheery blue of this one, that can be used indoors and outside.
Rockett St George
Beautiful Bird Cupboard/drawer Handle
Subtle details like door knobs and cupboard handles are a fabulous way to add whimsy. As I love a good garden widlife idea, this bird-themed handle is perfect for me.
M&S
All Over Glass Table Lamp
I’ve been coveting this stunning lamp since it’s launch. Each piece is hand blown, making yours a unique piece.
I think there’s something magical about choosing joy wherever we can, and it’s easy to see how whimsymaxxing can contribute to a happier home, too. Start small, and soon your passion for whimsy will grow.
